2-Day Northern Ethiopia: Volcanoes & Lakes

1. Our adventure to northern Ethiopia’s most dramatic landscapes—active volcanoes, neon-hued sulfur lakes, and vast salt flats—was a 2-day, 2-night journey organized by Worldsun Travel. We’d opted for their package, but with a small tweak: instead of staying two nights in the remote countryside (where amenities would be scarce), we chose just one night out there. It felt like the perfect balance—enough time to dive into the wild scenery, but not too long to miss basic comforts. 🗻🌋🧳 2. The trip kicked off with a flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, to Mekelle, the country’s second-largest city. By mid-afternoon, we touched down, and the contrast was immediate—Mekelle’s dry, rugged hills felt worlds away from Addis’ bustling streets. We checked into a cozy 4-star hotel, where the staff greeted us with cold drinks and warm smiles. After dropping off our bags, we decided to keep things simple and ordered dinner at the hotel restaurant. The tibs (spiced sautéed meat) and fresh injera were delicious, a hearty prequel to the adventures ahead. ✈️🏨🍴 3. Day 2 began early, with the sunrise painting the sky over Mekelle in soft pinks. Our guides from Worldsun were already waiting, loading gear into two sturdy jeeps—one for us, one for supplies and the cook they’d assigned. With five of us, the two vehicles meant plenty of space to stretch out, which we’d soon appreciate. The drive to our first destination took four hours, but it never dragged: we passed small villages where kids waved, herders tending to camels, and rocky outcrops that looked like they’d been carved by the wind. The landscape grew wilder the farther we went, hints of the volcanic terrain to come peeking through the hills. 🌅🚙👋 4. Worldsun’s planning really shone once we hit the road. They’d thought of everything: the jeeps were stocked with water, snacks, and even sunscreen; the guide, a local named Tesfaye, pointed out hidden gems along the way (a tiny rock church, a salt caravan trail) and answered all our questions with patience. Meanwhile, the cook, Almaz, was already prepping ingredients for lunch—we could smell the aroma of roasted spices wafting from the second jeep. By the time we reached our first stop, a stunning salt flat glistening under the sun, we were relaxed, excited, and already impressed by how smoothly everything was going. 🤝🍲✨ 5. That night, we stayed in a basic but clean camp on the edge of the volcanic zone—just one night, as we’d requested. Almaz cooked us a feast over an open fire: lentil stew, grilled chicken, and even fresh bread. We sat under a sky full of stars, chatting with Tesfaye about local stories, while the distant glow of the volcano (our next day’s destination) flickered on the horizon. It was simple, but unforgettable—no Wi-Fi, no noise, just the quiet of the desert and the warmth of good company. 🌌🍢🏕️ 6. By the end of the trip, we all agreed: Worldsun had knocked it out of the park. The two jeeps, the knowledgeable guide, the thoughtful cook—every detail made the experience feel special. They’d balanced adventure with comfort, and their dedication showed in small moments: Tesfaye adjusting the itinerary when we wanted to linger at the sulfur lake, Almaz making sure someone got extra injera when they asked. It wasn’t just a tour; it felt like traveling with friends who cared about us having the best time. 7. As we headed back to Mekelle on Day 3, tired but happy, we kept talking about how grateful we were for Worldsun’s effort. This trip to northern Ethiopia’s volcanic heart had been everything we’d hoped for—and more, thanks to their care. If you’re planning a similar adventure, we’d recommend them in a heartbeat. Sometimes, the right company turns a good trip into a great one. 🌟🙏 #EthiopiaVolcanoTrip #WorldsunTravel #MekelleAdventures #SulfurLakeJourney #NorthernEthiopia